Book Review: The Jane Austen Diet

Book: The Jane Austen Diet: Austen's Secrets to Food, Health, and Incandescent Happiness by Jane Austen and Bryan Kozlowski

Edition: Paperback

Description:

What can Jane Austen teach us about health? Prepare to have your bonnet blown…

From the food secrets of Pride and Prejudice to the fitness strategies of Sense and Sensibility, there’s a modern health code hidden in the world’s most popular romances.

Join Bryan Kozlowski as he unlocks this “health and happiness” manifesto straight from Jane Austen’s pen, revealing why her prescriptions for achieving total body “bloom” still matter in the 21st century. Whether that’s learning how to eat like Lizzie Bennet, exercise like Emma Woodhouse, or think like Elinor Dashwood, explore how Austen’s timeless body beliefs are more relevant, refreshing, and scientifically sensible now than ever before. After all, it's still a truth universally acknowledged – Jane Austen’s heroines don’t get fat.

Currently Reading: The Jane Austen Diet

Happy Saturday!

After reading two mystery books back to back, I was set on finding something different to read. I was going through one of my bookcases when I found this nonfiction book, The Jane Austen Diet by Bryan Kozlowski and Jane Austen. I'm always interested in what research someone can gather from books. And from the description, it looks like the author took inspiration from Jane Austen's characters and looked into their lifestyle in regards to food, health and fitness. So, it will be interesting to see what informmation is in this book and how it relates to the characters.

Book: The Jane Austen Diet: Austen's Secrets to Food, Health, and Incandescent Happiness by Jane Austen and Bryan Kozlowski

Description:

What can Jane Austen teach us about health? Prepare to have your bonnet blown…

From the food secrets of Pride and Prejudice to the fitness strategies of Sense and Sensibility, there’s a modern health code hidden in the world’s most popular romances.

Join Bryan Kozlowski as he unlocks this “health and happiness” manifesto straight from Jane Austen’s pen, revealing why her prescriptions for achieving total body “bloom” still matter in the 21st century. Whether that’s learning how to eat like Lizzie Bennet, exercise like Emma Woodhouse, or think like Elinor Dashwood, explore how Austen’s timeless body beliefs are more relevant, refreshing, and scientifically sensible now than ever before. After all, it's still a truth universally acknowledged – Jane Austen’s heroines don’t get fat.

What are five shows you want to rewatch?

I'm sure we can all agree that there are a lot of TV shows out there almost to the point where it feels like you barely have time to watch them. However, I was wondering if there are five shows you want to rewatch? Well, in no particular order, here are the five shows I'd rewatch:


Sleepy Hollow

Description:

In this modern-day twist on Washington Irving's classic, Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to find that the world is on the brink of destruction, forcing him to team up with Abbie Mills, a contemporary police officer to unravel a mystery that dates back to the founding fathers.

Happy (Belated) 27th Anniversary, Clueless!

I can't believe I forgot to write something yesterday for the 27th Anniversary of Clueless. This is truly one of my favorite movies, it has an amazing story that follows the "clueless" Cher Horowitz who think she knows what's best for everyone in her life. Alicia Silverstone was pefectly cast as Cher as well as the rest of the cast.

I think the movie was a wonderful modern adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Emma (which is also a really good book). I can't forget about the fashion, although the movie was released in the 90s, the fashion doesn't feel dated. There are so many iconic outfits in this movie that it's impossible to overlook. Clueless is a fun, fashionable and thought-provoking movie that is a delight to watch. Happy 27th Anniversary, Clueless!

Weekend Films: Campfire Christmas, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank and Persuasion

Yay, it's the weekend! Although I'm going to see Thor: Love and Thunder today, there are three new movies that I still want to watch: Campfire Christmas, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank and Persuasion. The first is a Hallmark Christmas movie it's a romantic comedy that centers around a group of friends celebrating the holiday at camp. I'm still not in the Christmas spirit, so I'll tape it and watch it later.

Second is the animated movie Paws of Fury about a dog who wants to become a samurai. This looks like a fun movie, can't wait to see it. Last is the Netflix movie Persuasion which is based on the classic Jane Austen novel. It does seem like there a few changes from the original novel but it still seems like an interesting movie.

So, what movies are you watching this weekend?


Campfire Christmas                                                 8:00 PM EST                                        Hallmark Channel

Starring: Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, Matt Hamilton, Alec Santos, Enid-Raye Adams, Quinten James, Aleksandra Cross and more

Director: David I. Strasser

Writer: Anna White

Description:

Romance rekindles for Peyton and her closest friends during a holiday themed reunion which Peyton's parents decide to host in their family owned summer camp before selling it.

Book of Interest: Being Mary Bennet

I don't think I'll ever tire of reading Jane Austen inspired novels because I love seeing some of the interesting and different takes on Austen's work. And as long as the author has their own voice and isn't just rehashing Austen's words then I see no reason to not enjoy the stories.

For instance, Being Mary Bennet by J. C. Peterson looks like another fun take on Pride and Prejudice with an emphasis on Mary Bennet instead of the fan favorite Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet. I think this is a good decision because Mary is rarely mentioned among fans and this will be a good way to maybe put the spotlight on her character while telling an interesting story about main character Marnie Barnes. I'll have to add this to my list.

Book: Being Mary Bennet by J. C. Peterson

Description:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every bookworm secretly wishes to be Lizzy Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.

A less acknowledged truth is that Mary Bennet might be a better fit.

For Marnie Barnes, realizing she’s a Mary Bennet is devastating. But she’s determined to reinvent herself, so she enlists the help of her bubbly roommate and opens up to the world.

And between new friends, a very cute boy, and a rescue pup named Sir Pat, Marnie finds herself on a path to becoming a new person entirely. But she’s no Lizzy, or even Mary—instead, she’s someone even better: just plain Marnie.

With a hilariously sharp voice, a sweet and fulfilling romance that features a meet-cute in an animal shelter, and a big family that revels in causing big problems, this charming comedy of errors about a girl who resolves to become the main character of her own story (at any and all costs), is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Becky Albertalli…and Jane Austen, of course.

Book of Interest: Pride and Premeditation

I love Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, it's one of my favorite stories and mysteries are one of my favorite genres. As soon as I read the description for Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price, how could I not want to read it. As independent and headstrong as Elizabeth Bennet is, I can see her interested in becoming a lawyer. I'm always interested in a retelling especially if it offers something different while still honoring the original story which from the description seems to do.

Book: Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mysteries book #1) by Tirzah Price

Description:

Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.

When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.

Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.

Entertainment News #1: A Quiet Place II, iCarly, Jane Austen

- I read that A Quiet Place Part II did great in theatres earning $57 million at the box office over the Memorial Day weekend. I guess this means people are eager to get back to watching movies in the theatre. As much as I love watching movies, I'm still not too keen on sitting in a theatre but I do want to see this movie because it does look very good. For now, I will have to wait until it's out on DVD/Blu-ray. For anyone who hasn't seen the trailer, I posted it below.

Book of Interest: Recipe for Persuasion

I don't mind stories being retold if they're in a fun and creative way and Recipe for Persuasion seems like it's going be just that. I love when authors honor the source material but still add something new and interesting to the story.

I'll have to add this to my wishlist as well as Pride, Prejudices and Other Flavors.

Book: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Description:

From the author of Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors comes another , clever, deeply layered, and heartwarming romantic comedy that follows in the Jane Austen tradition—this time, with a twist on Persuasion.

Chef Ashna Raje desperately needs a new strategy. How else can she save her beloved restaurant and prove to her estranged, overachieving mother that she isn’t a complete screw up? When she’s asked to join the cast of Cooking with the Stars, the latest hit reality show teaming chefs with celebrities, it seems like just the leap of faith she needs to put her restaurant back on the map. She’s a chef, what’s the worst that could happen?

Rico Silva, that’s what.

Being paired with a celebrity who was her first love, the man who ghosted her at the worst possible time in her life, only proves what Ashna has always believed: leaps of faith are a recipe for disaster.

FIFA winning soccer star Rico Silva isn't too happy to be paired up with Ashna either. Losing Ashna years ago almost destroyed him. The only silver lining to this bizarre situation is that he can finally prove to Ashna that he's definitely over her.

But when their catastrophic first meeting goes viral, social media becomes obsessed with their chemistry. The competition on the show is fierce…and so is the simmering desire between Ashna and Rico. Every minute they spend together rekindles feelings that pull them toward their disastrous past. Will letting go again be another recipe for heartbreak—or a recipe for persuasion…?

In Recipe for Persuasion, Sonali Dev once again takes readers on an unforgettable adventure in this fresh, fun, and enchanting romantic comedy.

Currently Reading: Pride and Porters

I've read a lot of Jane Austen inspired novels and Pride and Porters looks like another take on Austen's immensely popular Pride and Prejudice story. It's been a while since I've read an Advance Reader Copy book but this seemed interesting and I thought I would give it a read.

Book: Pride and Porters by Charlotte Greene

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

For Erin and Jen Bennet, growing up in craft-beer-obsessed Colorado made opening Bennet Sisters Brewing their only dream. Their beer is popular, but like any small business, their brewery is never far from closing forever.

When Boston brewer Charlie Betters and his friend Darcy Fitzwilliam ask for their help, the Bennet sisters are happy for the attractive distractions. Life, after all, is more than making beer. Still, while Charlie and Jen seem to be made for each other, Darcy’s pretentiousness and her cruel remarks make a bad first impression.

Despite this, and almost against her will, Erin finds herself attracted to Darcy, but events out of their control result in a misunderstanding that might ruin the chances for love for both couples.

Quote: Jane Austen

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library."

~ Jane Austen

Quote: Jane Austen

"If a book is well written, I always find it too short." ~ Jane Austen

"Give a girl and education and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one she has the means of settling well, without further expense to anybody." ~ Jane Austen

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #271 (for Thursday): Jane Austen: The Complete Works

I absolutely love reading Jane Austen's novels, the stories are so wonderful. Austen had a way with words she had this way with writing that can make you feel so much. There are times in her stories where you are laughing at some of the ridiculous things the characters are doing to feeling all of their anguish.

Although, I have various paperback editions sitting on my bookcase I've always wanted a hardcover set. I would love to buy this but at the moment it's a little pricey for me, it's nearly $100 (and that's not including tax). So for now, I will add it to my wishlist with hopes of buying it later.

Book: Jane Austen: The Complete Works: Classics Hardcover Boxed Set (A Penguin Classics Hardcover) by Jane Austen

Description:

Few novelists have conveyed the subtleties and nuances of their own social milieu with the wit and insight of Jane Austen. Through her vivacious and spirited heroines and their circle, she painted vivid portraits of English middle-class life as the eighteenth century came to a close. Each of these novels is a love story and a story about marriage — marriage for love, for financial security, for social status. But they are not mere romances. Ironic, comic, and wise, they are masterly studies of the society Austen observed.

The seven books in this box set — Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Love and Freindship (early writings and juvenilia) — contain some of the most brilliant, dazzling prose in the English language. Part of Penguin’s beautiful Hardcover Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design.

Currently Reading: The Jane Austen Book Club

I bought this for 80 cent at my favorite thrift store a couple of years ago, this is going to be one of those rare occasions where I saw the movie before reading the book. Despite being a huge Jane Austen fan, I am not in any book clubs or reading groups for the author or her books. I think it might be kind of nice to join one, maybe I'll look into it.


Book: The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In California's Central Valley, five women and one man join to discuss Jane Austen's novels. Over the six months they get together, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens. With an eye for the frailties of human behavior and an ear for the absurdities of social intercourse, Karen Joy Fowler has never been wittier nor her characters more appealing. The result is a delicious dissection of modern relationships.

Nesting: A Jane Austen Mug

I don't know if you're aware but I'm a fan of Jane Austen. She wrote brilliant masterpieces that have stood the test of time. She had a way of writing stories that were complex yet very easy to read. I don't know if there is an official Jane Austen day but there should be.

On one my online searches, I found this beautiful Jane Austen mug. I love all the quotes on it, I'm pretty sure they're featured on the on other side of mug as well.

Jane Austen Mug      $13.95      GoneReading (gonereading.com)

- Microwave and Dishwasher Safe

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #113: Emma: A Modern Retelling

I love reading Jane Austen novels and No. #1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries so I'm very interested in reading Emma: A Modern Retelling. Especially since it's written by Alexander McCall Smith.

There is something so fascinating about Emma because she's totally annoying yet you can't help admiring her. I wonder how she will appear in this retelling.

Book: Emma: A Modern Retelling by Alexander McCall Smith

Description:

The summer after university, Emma Woodhouse returns home to live with her widowed father and launch her interior design business. Apart from cultivating grand career plans and managing her father’s hypochondria, Emma busies herself with the two things she does best: matchmaking and offering advice on everything from texting etiquette to first date destinations.

Happily, this summer presents abundant opportunities for both, as old and new friends are drawn into the sphere of Emma’s counsel: George Knightley, her principled brother-in-law; Frank Churchill, the attractive stepson of her former governess; Harriet Smith, a naïve but enchanting young teacher’s assistant at the local language school; and the perfect (and perfectly vexing) Jane Fairfax. Carriages have been replaced by Mini Coopers and cups of tea by cappuccinos, but Alexander McCall Smith’s sparkling satire and cozy sensibility are the perfect match for Jane Austen’s beloved tale.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #103: The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet

There are so many of Jane Austen stories that have been retold, I generally like to find ones that seem different. The first book, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is already included in the 365 Days Challenge but I had to add this second book because the description really seems interesting.

Book: The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries book #2) by Kate Rorick and Rachel Kiley

Description:

Based on the Emmy Award­-winning “genius” (The Guardian) web series, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, this is a new novel starring Lizzie’s spunky sister Lydia as she navigates the joys and pitfalls of becoming an adult in the digital age.

Before her older sister, Lizzie, started her wildly popular vlog, Lydia was just a normal twenty-year-old plotting the many ways she could get away with skipping her community college classes and finding the perfect fake ID. She may not have had much direction, but she loved her family and had plenty of fun. Then Lizzie’s vlog turned the Bennet sisters into Internet sensations, and Lydia basked in the attention as people watched, debated, tweeted, tumblr’d, and blogged about her life. But not all attention is good…

After her ex-boyfriend, George Wickham took advantage of Lydia’s newfound web-fame, betrayed her trust, and destroyed her online reputation, she’s no longer a naïve, carefree girl. Now, Lydia must work to win back her family’s trust and respect and find her place in a far more judgmental world.

Told in Lydia’s distinctive, eccentric, and endearing voice, The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet picks up right where The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet left off and “offers a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice without ruining it” (The Washington Post, on The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet). Featuring fresh twists, wonderful new characters, and scores of hilarious texts, doodles, and tweets, The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet takes you behind the webcam and into the lives of your favorite sisters in a way that’s sure to satisfy existing fans and delight new ones.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #24: The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet

I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen's stories and I also enjoy reading adaptions or inspired stories based on Austen's work.

Here is a book that I would like to read. Although I've never watched the YouTube series this book is based on, I did read a sample and found it to be interesting.

Book: The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (Lizzie Bennet Diaries book #1) by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick

Description:

Based on the Emmy Award–winning YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

Twenty‑four‑year‑old grad student Lizzie Bennet is saddled with student loan debt and still living at home along with her two sisters—beautiful Jane and reckless Lydia. When she records her reflections on life for her thesis project and posts them on YouTube, she has no idea The Lizzie Bennet Diaries will soon take on a life of their own, turning the Bennet sisters into internet celebrities seemingly overnight.

When rich and handsome Bing Lee comes to town, along with his stuck‑up friend William Darcy, things really start to get interesting for the Bennets—and for Lizzie’s viewers. But not everything happens on‑screen. Lucky for us, Lizzie has a secret diary.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet takes readers deep inside Lizzie’s world and well beyond the confines of her camera—from the wedding where she first meets William Darcy to the local hangout of Carter’s bar, and much more. Lizzie’s private musings are filled with revealing details about the Bennet household, including her growing suspicions about her parents’ unstable financial situation, her sister’s budding relationship with Bing Lee, the perils of her unexpected fame, and her uncertainty over her future—and whom she wants to share it with.

Featuring plenty of fresh twists to delight fans and new readers alike, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet expands on the web series phenomenon that captivated a generation and reimagines the Pride and Prejudice story like never before.

Book of Interest: When I'm With You

Read the first two books in the series and they were really good. And now I want to read this third book which is a retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. It should be a fun read.


Book: When I'm With You (The Jane Austen Academy book #3) by Cecilia Gray

Description:

Kat is destined to be a star and her big break has arrived at last! As the assistant to a celebrity classmate on the set of a feature film, she's going to show everyone she has what it takes. That is, until she discovers pursuing her dreams may mean forfeiting her heart. Unless she can find a way to have both...

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is guys. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And they're about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down...

Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph.

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice (Manga)

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen adapted by Stacy King with illustration by PoTse

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Beloved by millions the world over, Pride & Prejudice is delightfully transformed in this bold new manga adaptation. All of the joy, heartache, and romance of Jane Austen’s original, perfectly illuminated by the sumptuous art of manga-ka Po Tse, and faithfully adapted by Stacy E. King


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Marvel's adaptation of Pride & Prejudice may have been simply atrocious however this Manga version is a dream read. I love everything about this book from the adaptation to the artwork.

It managed to hold on to the original story as well as highlight many of the humorous moments that were already present in Austen's story. This was so funny and it made me laugh so much yet all of this humor doesn't take anything away from the story. This is a good adaptations and as I stated above it's very faithful to the original story just with a few manga elements added in.

As with the Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice the story is filled with romance, emotions, drama and misunderstandings. It's a lively story that shows that someone may not be as we perceive them to be.

There maybe some purist who may object to this book not being historically accurate or having too much humor in it but all I can say is that this is just a fun adaption on the classic with humor mixed in with all the wonderful moments from the story.